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Day 7: Sarah Jordan, Learning Leader, Brentwood School

9/10/2014

2 Comments

 
I have been a teacher for the past 10 years.  Like most teachers, I know that my students will come into my class with the basics.  I have never put much thought into the fact that they know their names, can find their classroom, hang their backpacks, and most importantly go to the bathroom … alone.

This year, was the first that I have been out of the classroom and able to help around the school.  I was eager to help the Kindergarten students on their first day.  My eyes were opened to what a different world Kindergarten is.

It became apparent that my expectation of students knowing their own name may be too high of an expectation for Kindergarteners, especially last names.  In fact, I quickly realized that ALL of my expectations may be too much for many of these students. I spent my morning looking into the big, scared eyes of 5 year-olds and doing my best to help them have positive first school experience.  I’ll admit, I never realized how difficult it is to be a Kindergarten teacher. I took for granted that my students raised their hands, could hold a pencil, and could put on their shoes.  I realized that without the patience, time, and expertise of our Kindergarten teachers my job would be much different.  

So thank you to all the Kindergarten teachers who teach our students what school is and make all of our lives so much easier.  We appreciate you.

Sarah Jordan,  learning leader at Brentwood Traditional Learning Centre, she believes in making school a fun, safe place to learn.
2 Comments
susan ridley
9/10/2014 10:09:12 am

As an "old" teacher (just got my 25 year gift in the spring) who got "stuck" in Kindergarten 4 years ago when the class size $ was cut, I have to tell you how glad I was to read your piece! :) Kindergarten is a whole different ballgame, isn't it? But I have to tell you, 4 years after getting "stuck" in K, I absolutely love it & do not want to teach any other grade! It is TOO much fun! Even though many of my previous "expectations" were the same as yours when I started, I quickly learned to drop them and just deal with who and where they are. I think that every teacher should have to spend at least some time in kindergarten in September/October in some capacity to really understand the nature of our job and the needs of our kids, because they come to us in ways that are so diverse! The amount of professional and personal satisfaction that I have gained these past 4 years has been incredible. They make me laugh every day and what other job on the planet has non-stop hugs as part of its description? Having spent most of my 25 years with grade 4's & 5's, I now understand that the kids we teach don't come to us from a mould of expectations; they are a microcosm of society which also doesn't come from a mould. But it is a whole different ballgame for sure! Thanks again. Susan

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Meghan
9/10/2014 11:46:27 am

Thanks for this post Sarah!

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